Long-term Follow up of Renal Function After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Overview

Background.
Renal dysfunction in patients after the orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is frequent and it significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality. The aim of our work was to assess the level of glomerular function (GFR) within the first to fifth year after OLT. 

Methods and Results.
Serum creatinine concentration (S_kr), creatinine clearance (C_kr) and predicted value of creatinine clearance using the Cockcrofta a Gaulta formula (CG) were assessed in 75 patients. Normal values of the given parameters (S_kr <110 umol/l, C_kr ≥1,3 ml/s/1,73 m²) were found only in 16 % of all patients. Significant decrease of GFR (Ckr <0,5 ml/s/1,73 m²) was found in 24 % of cases, acute renal failure, which required transitory haemodialysis developed in 4 % of patients. In 60 % of patients various degree of GFR decrease was found without the necessity of haemodialysis. 

Conclusions.
Level of renal functions was not significantly related to the blood pressure or serum lipids concentration. An important factor appeared to be the level of renal function before OLT. Because the level of renal function after OLT can significantly influence the post transplantation development, regular follow up of GFR is recommended. 

Key words:
orthotopic liver transplantation, renal function.